LTC NB681 Nimbleback Wired 65% Mechanical Keyboard User Manual

1. Introduction

Welcome to the user manual for your new LTC NB681 Nimbleback Wired 65% Mechanical Keyboard. This guide provides detailed instructions on setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your keyboard to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product.

Figure 1: LTC NB681 Nimbleback Wired 65% Mechanical Keyboard

2. Key Features

The LTC NB681 Nimbleback Keyboard is designed with a range of features to enhance your typing and gaming experience:

• Compact but Practical 65% Layout: Ultra-compact design with 68 keys, balancing functionality with space-saving. Includes practical arrow, navigation, and control keys.
• Hot-swappable Switches: Features a hot-swap PCB, allowing free replacement of 3-pin/5-pin MX-style switches (e.g., Gateron, Kailh). Equipped with quiet linear red switches for nimble reactions and quiet typing.
• 2 USB 2.0 Ports and Type-C Wired Connection: Two built-in USB passthrough ports for connecting peripheral devices like a mouse or flash drive, or for charging mobile devices. The Type-C wired connection ensures high-speed and stable data transmission.
• Dynamic RGB Backlight: Offers 18 preset backlight modes with 5 adjustable brightness and flowing speed levels, providing gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects.
• Professional Software Support: Customize keypress combinations, assign macros, and personalize RGB lighting effects using the powerful LTC drive software. Compatible with Windows 7/8/10, iOS, and Mac systems.

Figure 2: Visual representation of key features including 68-keys, 2 USB ports, detachable Type-C cable, hot-swappable switch, ergonomic angle, RGB backlit, stand-alone arrow keys, and anti-ghosting.

3. Setup

Follow these steps to set up your LTC NB681 keyboard:

1. Unboxing: Carefully remove the keyboard and all accessories from the packaging. Ensure you have the keyboard, USB-C cable, and any included tools (e.g., keycap puller, switch puller).
2. Connect the USB-C Cable: Plug the USB-C end of the provided cable into the Type-C port on the keyboard. Connect the other end (USB-A) to an available USB port on your computer.
3. Initial Recognition: Your computer should automatically detect and install the necessary drivers. This may take a few moments.
4. Positioning: Place the keyboard on a stable, flat surface. You can adjust the typing angle using the foldable feet on the underside of the keyboard for ergonomic comfort.
5. Software Installation (Optional but Recommended): For advanced customization, download the LTC drive software from the official LTC website. Install it on your Windows or Mac system to remap keys, assign macros, and customize RGB lighting.

Figure 3: Close-up of the keyboard's 2 built-in USB 2.0 passthrough ports and the detachable Type-C wired connection port.

4. Operating Your Keyboard

4.1 Basic Functions

• Standard Typing: The keyboard functions as a standard QWERTY keyboard.
• Arrow, Navigation, and Control Keys: Despite its compact size, the NB681 includes dedicated arrow keys and essential navigation/control keys for convenience.

4.2 RGB Backlight Control

The NB681 features dynamic RGB backlighting with multiple customization options:

• Changing Modes: Press Fn + \| (pipe key) to cycle through 18 preset backlight modes.
• Adjusting Brightness: Use Fn + Up Arrow to increase brightness and Fn + Down Arrow to decrease brightness (5 levels).
• Adjusting Speed: Use Fn + Left Arrow to decrease flowing speed and Fn + Right Arrow to increase flowing speed (5 levels).

Figure 4: The keyboard showcasing its dynamic 16.8 million RGB backlight with 19 modes and 5 brightness/speed levels.

4.3 Hot-Swappable Switches

The hot-swappable design allows you to easily change switches without soldering:

1. Remove Keycap: Use the included keycap puller to gently remove the desired keycap.
2. Remove Switch: Use the included switch puller to carefully grip the switch and pull it straight up.
3. Insert New Switch: Align the pins of the new 3-pin or 5-pin MX-style switch with the holes on the PCB. Press firmly until it clicks into place.
4. Replace Keycap: Place the keycap back onto the new switch.

Figure 5: Close-up demonstrating the hot-swappable switch feature, allowing easy replacement of 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches.

4.4 Professional Software Customization

The dedicated software allows for in-depth customization:

• Key Remapping: Change the function of any key to suit your preferences.
• Macro Assignment: Create and assign complex macros for gaming or productivity tasks.
• RGB Lighting Customization: Design your own lighting effects, colors, and patterns beyond the preset modes.

Figure 6: Screenshot showing the professional software interface for customizing RGB backlight, remapping keys, and assigning macros.

5. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and performance of your keyboard:

• Regular Cleaning: Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust and debris from between the keycaps. For deeper cleaning, remove keycaps and wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth. Ensure the keyboard is disconnected before cleaning.
• Switch Care: The hot-swappable design makes switch replacement easy if a switch becomes faulty or if you wish to try different switch types. Avoid excessive force when inserting or removing switches to prevent damage to the PCB sockets.
• Cable Management: Keep the USB-C cable untangled and avoid sharp bends to prevent internal wire damage.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your LTC NB681 keyboard, try the following steps:

• Keyboard Not Responding:
  • Ensure the USB-C cable is securely connected to both the keyboard and the computer.
  • Try connecting the keyboard to a different USB port on your computer.
  • Test the keyboard on another computer to determine if the issue is with the keyboard or the original computer.
• RGB Lights Not Working/Incorrect:
  • Check the brightness settings using Fn + Up/Down Arrow.
  • Cycle through different lighting modes using Fn + \|.
  • If using the software, ensure the lighting profiles are correctly applied and the software is up to date.
• Keys Not Registering/Double Typing:
  • This could indicate a faulty switch. Use the switch puller to remove the problematic switch and replace it with a spare or a known good switch.
  • Ensure the switch is fully seated in its socket.
• Software Not Recognizing Keyboard:
  • Ensure the keyboard is connected directly to the computer (avoiding USB hubs if possible).
  • Restart your computer and the software.
  • Reinstall the LTC drive software.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, please contact LTC customer support for further assistance.

7. Specifications

Figure 7: Comparison of the ultra-compact 68-key design with a full-size keyboard, highlighting its space-saving benefits.

Figure 8: Illustration of the ergonomic design with foldable feet for 10-degree and 5-degree typing angles, and anti-slip pads.

8. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official LTC website or your purchase documentation.

You can also find additional resources and a downloadable PDF user manual here: Official User Manual (PDF)

For more products and support, visit the LTC Store on Amazon.